Side judge Brian Stropolo posted pictures of himself in Saints apparel to Facebook, tailgating for the team's Aug. 25 preseason game. ESPN.com contacted league offices Sunday morning to make them aware of the photos, which then removed Stropolo from the game.

According to the report, one Facebook commenter wrote under an earlier post: "That's awesome you get to be an official for a Saints game! I didn't think they would let you since your (sic) from Louisiana."

The league is locking out its regular officials while the two sides continue talks over a new collective bargaining agreement.

The report is especially troublesome considering the NFL did not know about its official's allegiance, which was public knowledge on Facebook, until contacted by a media outlet.